>A chance. That was good too. One chance was better than no chance, having been on the receiving end of both. And when the predominate opinion on you was that you were a terrifying abomination that the only conceivable response to was mass murder, you took what you could get.
>Rakohl nods in understanding.
Very well. I will not betray your trust.
>So, no using his transformation if he could help it.
If there's anything's else you need of me, I'll do my best to help you out.
>He sits there and waits if there was anything further that Melissa wanted.
>>41288467 For now, thankfully not. We haven't had any more attack incidents aside from yours today, so there isn't much to worry about. That said, you did manage to take out a couple of the Hellhounds without much issue, aside from Patrick's injuries. Oh, speaking of which, say nothing about the fact that the Temple Guardians are still a thing to him, that man is chasing after things he ought to know better than to pursue. Don't tell anyone else, for that matter. The last thing we need is old enemies coming around whilst we're still vulnerable.
>Patrick seemed oddly well-studied about the old histories, but thankfully his sources were rarely entirely accurate and a lot of them contained bits of hearsay and rumour. She wasn't too worried about Rakohl saying anything, mutual secrets and all, but even Melody might accidentally talk a little too much.
Still, I'd like you to stick around for the same reason as those two, we could use all the help we can get. If you'd prefer to head your own way, well, it's not like anyone can really stop you. It all depends on whether you'd be willing to use those fists of yours for our sake, which I wouldn't force on anyone anyway.
>"Whether you'd be willing to use those fists of yours for our sake."
>He went back to a simpler time. He couldn't have been older than twelve. After time and time again of begging his father to teach him to fight, he'd finally been deemed ready.
>In the purple training outfit he'd long since outgrown, opposite the smiling figure of his father ready and eager to teach, he stopped for a moment. His face shifting into a serious expression.
>"Son. These techniques will make you strong. But strength is nothing without a sense of right. Such a thing is hard to teach, and is best discovered through your own journey, rather than the second hand experiences of someone else. However, even saying that, there is one thing I want you to promise me before we begin your training. And that is to lend a hand wherever it is needed. Wherever this strength can be put to good use, you must go. There are those who cannot defend themselves in this world, and it's up to people like us to keep them safe."
>And he came back. He looked over to Melissa and nods, his expression resolute.
I'll stay. Not just for the kindness you've shown me, but I cannot in good conscience simply leave you to your fate. I will leave at some point, but until I do, I'll do everything in my power to aid you.
I'll not tell anyone about your organisation either. It would only be polite to return the favour of you keeping my secret.
>>41291268 >The fact that there was a wanderer, let alone a beastkin, who was simply happy to help those around him felt like an incredibly rare occurrence. Whilst she couldn't allow herself to get too hopeful, Melissa started to wonder if the tide was turning; with her village having been on the ropes for so long against this threat, perhaps things were beginning to sway in their favour.
Well, technically speaking it's not really mine, but that doesn't really matter either way.
>Even though she was a member of the leading family of the clan, she was still in training to take up the mantle of clan head, which was presently held by her mother. Though her grandfather was a powerful mage and a wise man, he had long settled into the role of an elder and couldn't quite cope with the stresses of day-to-day management, especially in a battle like this.
In any case, thank you. It'll be good to have someone generous around for a change. I'll get some food and lodging prepared for you, no surprises this time. You're free to do as you like, I've got nothing more to ask - you should probably stop by the medical building though, I think Melody wanted to thank you.
>He stands up, once more bowing graciously to Melissa before making his way over to the exit.
>It'd be nice to actually have somewhere semi-comfortable to stay, though at some point he would have to go back to his campsite and pack up all of his things. But first, he had something else to attend to. She'd mentioned the name Melody earlier, as well as a Patrick. Those two must be the people he'd found in the forest. No doubt this Patrick must be still recovering, but the young lady had scarcely a scratch on her. If she wanted to say thanks, he'd quite happily oblige.
Then I shall take my leave, I shall see you later.
>He waves at Melissa before he exits the building, about to make his wandering way through the village to find the medical center